Australian Athletics welcomes today’s announcement from the Australian Olympic Committee and applauds the significant investment in the long-term wellbeing of Australia’s Olympians.
This commitment recognises the enormous dedication required to reach the pinnacle of sport and provides meaningful support for athletes as they balance their elite careers with education, employment, financial security and, for many, parenthood.
Australian Athletics President Jane Flemming OAM OLY said the initiative aligns with thesport’s focus on athlete welfare and sustainable high-performance pathways:
“The AOC’s investment will make a real difference in the lives of our Olympic athletes – both during their careers and long after they leave the track. The transition from competing at the highest level to navigating work, study or even family life can be incredibly challenging, not just physically and mentally, but financially too.
“Australian Athletics strongly supports measures that improve financial security, create equitable opportunities, and help athletes build long sustainable careers in the sport they love.
“We also welcome the Return to Olympic Sport Grant, which recognises the challenges faced by women returning to elite sport after childbirth. Many of our own Olympians have shown what’s possible with the right support, and this initiative will help even more women continue their athletics journeys.”
Australian Athletics congratulates the leadership of the AOC in President Ian Chesterman and CEO Mark Arbib, and looks forward to working closely with the AOC to ensure athletes across the athletics community continue to be supported throughout every stage of their pathway.
Posted: 11/12/2025
